MILWAUKEE, Aug. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls and Methodist Healthcare have signed a $12.9 million technology contract that will play a significant role in helping modernize the healthcare system's flagship facility, Methodist University Hospital, in Memphis, Tennessee.

"Methodist has always strived for continuous improvement of its facilities and clinical care model," said Richard Kelley, director of corporate facilities management at Methodist Healthcare. "Our partnership with Johnson Controls is a critical part of a $280 million modernization project that will restructure the campus and centralize clinical services, creating a patient- and family-centered care environment that is easily accessible and easy to navigate."

The expansion plan adds 440,000 square feet to the hospital's campus and includes a new nine-story patient tower to be constructed as an overbuild on top of the existing emergency department without disrupting current hospital activity. Methodist will also invest in state-of-the-art healthcare equipment, elevating healthcare with the most advanced technology available and making the Johnson Controls technology integration solution a key component of the new construction.

Johnson Controls will provide design-assistance and serve as the single point of responsibility for technology integration from start to finish, providing critical continuity throughout pre-construction, implementation, installation and service of the new tower, creating a smart, innovative, optimized environment. The company will incorporate a variety of technologies throughout the new tower, helping Methodist Healthcare improve its overall efficiency with integrated business, clinical and building systems. The result will be an updated platform that streamlines communications and work flow, lowers costs, enhances staff satisfaction and patient care and helps create comfortable, healing environments.

"Given the growing complexity of technology in a rapidly changing healthcare environment, the solution we proposed and our design-assist capabilities were key components to the project," said James Nannini, vice president North America Building Wide Systems Integration (BWSI), at Johnson Controls. "The fact that the systems integration must take place during construction of the new tower without any interruption of existing services to patients and staff, speaks to the confidence Methodist Healthcare has in our level of competency and our expertise at technology systems integration."

Johnson Controls brings more than 40 years of experience working with Methodist Healthcare, including construction of a central energy plant and providing operations and management services. The company is also the exclusive provider of controls for the healthcare system and provides truck-based service for both controls and chillers.

"Johnson Controls' proven track record and their commitment to Methodist Healthcare has been instrumental in helping us achieve our vision across the entire system," said Kelley. "Their work with previous projects including our Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, along with the company's technology expertise and design-assist capabilities, were influential in our decision to partner with them on the new construction, with the goal of maximizing our technology investments and delivering better outcomes for our patients."

Construction of the new patient tower is expected to begin in January 2017 and be completed in the spring of 2019.

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 150,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and seating components and systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2016, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #17 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow us @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.

About Johnson Controls' Building Efficiency

Johnson Controls' Building Efficiency has an unmatched portfolio of HVACR products and solutions to create more comfortable, safe and efficient buildings. Operating in more than 150 countries through a strong network of distribution channels, Building Efficiency's breadth of offerings help building owners, operators, engineers and consultants impact the full lifecycle of a building. Its market leadership is established through trusted brands such as YORK®, Sabroe® and Metasys® as well as its smart building integration capabilities and energy financing solutions. For more information, visit www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow @JCI_BEnews.

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